EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- From Ibiza To The Norfolk Broads

Tell us a bit about From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads.

It's three stories that converge into one - the tale of the birth of David Bowie, a journey through his childhood London visiting all the iconic sights that made him, and the story of a teenage boy on a quest to find his father. It's packed full of Bowie's music, it's funny, moving and very visual with projections of Bowie, London and much more.

What was the inspiration for the play?

David but also the need for those who felt a little different (the 'kooks' as his son Duncan so eloquently put it, after his dad's song) to break free of their constraints - a yearning for something better. It's an ode to escapism, to individualism. There's some elements of my childhood in a small Nottinghamshire town, and it was written specifically for the actor Alex Walton - I know him well so in a way he was an inspiration for it as I could hear his voice with every word I wrote.

How has the show been received so far?

Astoundingly well with 75 performances all around the country, over fifty 4 and 5 star reviews, countless tweets and messages and emails... people loving it everywhere. Aside from all that it seems to have resonated across the ages, tapping into people's lives, ambitions, memories. We had no idea.

Why did you want to bring the show to Edinburgh?

I didn't at first. I was kind of scared as audiences at Edinburgh are not your normal audiences. It's a bit like a band headlining a festival but playing to a crowd who don't know their songs. So we are aware we are not preaching to the converted here, but that's also exciting. Plus Alex twisted my arm. Almost had to remortgage my house to do this but... in for a penny.

Who would you recommend comes to see it?

Oh, everyone. Bowie fans of course, but if you love a great piece of storytelling, and are prepared to be swept away on a magical realist journey for 75 minutes then you'll love it.

Timings and ticket information for From Ibiza To The Norfolk Broads are available on the edfringe website.

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